“For that?Probably not.But don’t panic.”He smiled.“You get worked up over the least little things.”
“Iget worked up —?”
“What’d I tell you?That I’d look after you.We have a solution that’s so elegant, I should have thought of it myself before going in today.”
“You do?”
“We do.”His smile had gone supernova again.“It’s called a fiancé visa.”
“Come again?”
“We can get you a fiancé visa.”
Noah blinked several times.“But I’m not — we’re not — no one’s —”
“What do you say?”
“Say to what?Wait, are you asking me to marry you?”
“I suppose I am.”
“No.”
“No?”
“No way am I marrying you.Timo, we’ve been involved for a week.This is insane.”
“Ah, if you have concerns at such an early stage, and I must point out that I have none at all, my offer is sincere, butifyou have concerns, keep in mind that what you’re agreeing to is being engaged.”
“What?”
“It is called afiancé visa.Not married.Not living together.Not shared bank accounts, investment portfolios, or driving the kids to school.Fiancé visa.”
“You mean … you can say that one day you’re going to marry someone … and get a visa to stay in the country based around that?”
“That’s right.It’s not a long-term solution.”Timo arched a brow.“But, as they say, enough to be getting on with?Get another foot in the door?”
Slowly, Noah let out a breath.“That does sound kind of perfect when you put it that way, but isn’t it dishonest?”
“How so?”
“Well, being …” Noah shrugged.“A lie.”
“I don’t know what you mean.Why shouldn’t we be engaged?”
“I just …I don’t …” Noah helplessly shook his head.
“Do you want me to go down on one knee?I did stop for an engagement ring on the way home but they were closed.”
“Youwhat?”
“We can sort that this weekend.Choose them together?It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate.What about white gold?”
“Wait a minute —” Noah pushed his chair back.“Timo —”
“I know men don’t always wear them, but obviously this does need to be convincing.”
“You’re not listening to me!I don’t want to do it!It would be fake, so it’s illegal!I’m not doing that!”Noah stormed to the door, stuffed his feet into his shoes, grabbed his keys, and ran out.